Moving into a new Arkadelphia rental house can be an exciting experience. It is also a good idea to secure your security deposit, but how can you accomplish this? A walkthrough check after the move-in process. Even if your landlord doesn’t give a walkthrough guide, you should nonetheless do one. It’s crucial to do the following tips to get the most out of your move-in tour.
Get Personal
There is no substitute for an in-person walkthrough. A nice Arkadelphia property manager may inform you that they have thoroughly checked the property for you, but you must still check for yourself. Even while most landlords are not intentionally trying to deceive you, you may discover maintenance or other issues that were omitted from the report. If you don’t thoroughly check every area of your rental home, you can find yourself footing the bill for fixing something that was damaged before your move in.
Use a Checklist
Examine every area of your rental home thoroughly to make the most of your move-in walkthrough. Use a walkthrough checklist to guarantee you haven’t skipped anything. Some property managers might give you a checklist, while others might not. If yours does not, you can get numerous lists and guidelines from the Internet. An inventory is essential because it focuses your walkthrough and prevents you from missing anything. Additionally, as you leave, you can compare your checklist with other items.
Check for Potential Hazards
A checklist can help you conduct a comprehensive move-in examination. It’s crucial to take note of any potential risks to one’s health or safety hazards that might not be apparent at first. Test the appliances and smoke alarms, for instance, to make sure they are in good working order in your new rental house. Make sure to get any documentation about the existence of asbestos or lead paint if your landlord does not already provide it. Before settling into a rental property, it is essential to learn everything there is to know about the presence of these drugs, which can create long-term health problems.
Document Everything
Going beyond simply marking off items is important to make the most of your move-in evaluation. You must thoroughly and properly document every component of the property’s condition before moving in to properly secure your security deposit from unauthorized repair expenditures. Make detailed notes, either on the checklist or on a single sheet; make note of condition concerns, locations, and whatever else, no matter how little. Most landlords would not ask you to replace an entire kitchen floor due to a single broken linoleum spot, but some might. Taking photographs of the property as you tour it is a second effective method. Keep your pictures in a secure location and take a range of close-up and wide-angle pictures.
Report Maintenance Issues
Upon completion of your walkthrough and documentation, immediately report any maintenance concerns you’ve noticed. Leaky faucets, busted blinds or toilet seats, and faulty light switches or outlets may not seem like a significant concern, but if something is broken or not working before you move in, you must inform the property manager straightaway. Send them a written communication, if at all feasible, to ensure that you have documentation of the identified problems. This will guard your security deposit when you vacate in addition to shielding you from unfair charges.
It takes some extra work, but it’s worthwhile to make the most of your move-in walkthrough. Nothing will ensure that you receive your security deposit back more than thoroughly documenting the move-in condition of your rental property.
Looking for a new residence? Real Property Management Hometown has the one for you! You can browse our listings online or call us at 501-701-4702 or 501-303-6870.
Originally Published on July 17, 2020
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